Climate Change is Real

"WALK"ing for Mainstreaming Health in Climate Action

Appeal to my readers in Telangana. Please Vote on 30th November 2023. And if possible, please WALK or RUN to your Polling Booth.

I made up my mind to write about health and climate change while “WALK”ing through Delhi in early part of the week. I was in Delhi to catch up with old friends and make some new ones while celebrating 40 years of FES India Office. It has been an incredible journey fostering social democracy and transforming the lives of the under-served through dialogue and grassroots projects. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our shared goals since 2007.

Looking forward to unlocking new doors in the years ahead!

DTW

During the Week, the World Health Organization (WHO), in anticipation of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP-28), has released its 2023 assessment, focusing on health considerations in nationally determined contributions and long-term strategies. This comprehensive review underscores the imperative of prioritizing public health in national plans to combat climate change.

The adverse impacts of climate change on human health are increasingly evident, ranging from illnesses stemming from extreme climate events to the heightened prevalence of vector-borne diseases. The surge in cardiovascular and respiratory ailments due to extreme heat and air pollution further accentuates the interconnectedness of human health and the environment.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasizes the urgent need for swift action, asserting that the health of both humans and the planet is intricately entwined. He advocates for climate policies geared towards health outcomes, emphasizing that such an approach is crucial for saving lives, preventing diseases, and constructing healthier, more equitable societies.

We have documented multiple intersection of health and climate action in our work related to #DigitalStreet and #DigitalGreen. In the movement toward climate resilience, the WALK acronym given below represents a dynamic approach to mainstreaming health in national climate policies. . "W" symbolizes Water Conservation Platforms, fostering responsible water usage. "A" embodies Air Quality Improvement Platforms, ensuring breathable atmospheres. "L" encapsulates Low-Carbon Lifestyle Platforms, championing sustainable choices. Finally, "K" signifies Knowledge Sharing Platforms, uniting minds for impactful climate solutions.

W - Water Conservation Platforms: In India, water scarcity hits Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and street vendors hard. Neglecting water conservation can lead to dire consequences for these entities. Digital platforms tailored for MSEs can provide real-time monitoring of water usage, helping them manage resources efficiently. Street vendors, often operating in crowded urban spaces, can benefit from localized water conservation tips and community-driven initiatives. Neglecting water scarcity not only threatens the survival of these businesses but also amplifies societal challenges.

A - Air Quality Improvement Platforms: Poor air quality, a result of neglect, disproportionately affects MSEs and the informal sector in India. The health hazards and productivity losses due to air pollution can severely impact the daily operations of small businesses. Tailored platforms offering real-time air quality data specific to localities can empower MSEs to adapt air-friendly practices. The cumulative effect of neglecting air quality could lead to the decline of these businesses and exacerbate health issues for street vendors working in polluted environments.

L - Low-Carbon Lifestyle Platforms: Encouraging a low-carbon lifestyle is crucial for businesses in India, particularly in the MSE and informal sectors. Tailored platforms can offer practical tips and challenges that resonate with the cultural and economic context of these businesses. By fostering a sense of community support, these platforms can motivate individuals and businesses to adopt sustainable practices. This approach can significantly reduce carbon footprints, contributing to environmental sustainability while aligning with the unique needs of MSEs and the informal sector.

K - Knowledge Sharing Platforms: For MSEs and the informal sector to effectively contribute to climate change mitigation, knowledge sharing platforms are essential. These platforms can serve as hubs where local businesses access relevant climate information, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions. By fostering a collaborative environment, these platforms empower businesses to collectively address climate challenges. Localized knowledge sharing is key to ensuring that climate strategies are practical and impactful for MSEs and the informal sector in India.

Interestingly, I was also part of panel discussion on “Climate Change a threat multiplier” organised by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung India office and SPROUTS at Wildlife Institute of India , Dehradun. This was an outreach event around the *Climate Actioneers Primer: A Beginner's Toolkit* book.

About the book: With its 200 pages, the ‘Climate Actioneers' Primer: A Beginner's Toolkit’ represents a significant stride towards sustainable change, encapsulating a comprehensive guide that empowers individuals to make impactful contributions towards a greener future through over 600 actionable ideas. The book is available as a free download for individuals and a print copy for Educational Institutions, NGOs, Corporate and Governmental Organisations.

Based on the findings of #BigGreen, #DigitalStreet and #DigitalGreen through Centre of Excellence for Digital Transformation at ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Hyderabad , we believe that climate change is a potent threat multiplier for street vendors and MSEs. The vulnerability of these enterprises to extreme weather events is a pressing concern, leading to economic disruptions. We have discussed intersection of platforms and waste management though the WEALTH Acronym and Race-to-Zero through the role of platforms to help mitigate adverse effects of carbon emissions by six major sectors. I have written earlier about growing interconnected of platforms and environmental sustainability through four dimensions - positive impact through facilitating circular economy & incentivising environmental sustainability AND negative impact through increased resource usage in platforms & pushing materialism through an on-demand economy. Click on the above hyperlinks to read more.

OTW

Over the Weekend, I was glad to host Dharmendra Kumar (fondly called Dharma) for an interaction with Peerancheruvu Runners’ participants for the first ever KC100 runners group. The grand idea of KC100 is to prepare 100 runners to participate in one of most gruelling ultramarathon in the world- 72 km Khardung La Challenge 2024 in Ladakh.

Dharma is an Engineer who spent around 13 years in Information Technology before making a plunge in Entrepreneurship through Sports and Fitness Start up. Subsequently, embraced the Non-Profit space with launch of “Good Bugle Foundation” in Aug, 2020. He has also launched
- “I-Deal World”, a holistic (Human Relationship Model based on Spirituality & Psychology, NeuroScience) approach to Life and Relationships.
- “LiveRepartee”, a Fun & Comedy platform based on age old method of Repartee.

On LinkedIn and other places , he identifies himself as Student of Life, Holistic Life & Relationship Coach, EAI (Entrepreneur, Advisor, Investor), Vegan, Marathon Runner, Comedian, Filmmaker, Poet.

I greatly admire Dharma for his running and life philosophy and tremendously benefited from his advise when I was planning to participate in 72 km Khardung la Challenge 2017. have shared my experience of being a KC2017 finishers in one of the Runners’ High Episode.

May you find and conquer your own Khardung la Challenge!

I Love You

Shailendra

OTM

Opportunities through MountainSpeak presents an interesting webinar "A Guide to Digitalization!" by nicheBrains hosted by John Vincent.

Please join us for an enlightening discussion on November 28th from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, where we would discuss current best practices, knowledge and strategies to navigate the digital landscape and harness the power of technology for unparalleled success.
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://lnkd.in/gWqbTm7R

PS- About the thumbnail of today’s newsletter, it is long shot of my maternal grandmother’s house in Garhwal Himalayas. I was recently there for a cousin’s wedding. It has been always a pleasure to walk to and around that heavenly place!

Let's make the “Platform’ed” community even stronger! Feel free to post it on your social media accounts too, and inspire others to join our journey. Together, we can go the distance!

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